PY26 and C&C 26 short list

ptsbug · #1 (**permalink**) 09-12-2010

We have found ourselves looking at a 77 C7C 26 and think it's a nice boat.
I am not familiar with the Westerbeke gas 1 cylinder engine, so that makes me a little skeptical.
We really admire the Paceship Py26 for it's roominess and the diesel engine, the C&C is slightly wider in the beam and feels a little more roomy inside.
Can anyone out there provide opinions on the C&C 26?
How about the Westerbeke 1 cylinder 2 stroke 7.5 hp engines for reliability and parts?
I did find a soft spot on the deck of the C&C but feel I can pull up the gel coat and repair as needed.

Thanks

JimsCAL · #2 (**permalink**) 09-12-2010

Friend in my club has one and its a nice boat. His has a diesel. Are you sure this one is an inboard gas?

The soft spot in the deck is a concern. Chances are there are other wet spots that aren't rotten and delaminated yet. Could be an expensive fix.

Faster · #3 (**permalink**) 09-12-2010

The C&C 26 is a beamy, roomy boat for its size - it's part of the late 70s series that included the 29 mkI and the 34. While of concern, small soft spots are pretty typical for boats of that vintage, esp if any deck leaks are allowed to persist.

If you like the PY 26 too, have a look at the Tanzer 27 -it's based on a similar, if not the same, design.

If the gas engine runs well it won't be the end of the world.. but you need to be vigilant about ventilation. If it's a salt water boat and the engine is RWC (likely) then corrosion may be your biggest issue there.

Good luck in your search!

killarney_sailor · #4 (**permalink**) 09-12-2010

I would get the engine model number and call a Westerbeke dealer to see about parts availability. I have a sneaking feeling that parts for such an obscure engine might be a problem. Deck soft spot repair is a lot more complicated than just taking up the gelcoat. How serious the problem is depends on how many areas there are, how large they are and where they are located. Before getting a surveyor get one of those little plastic hammers and tap all over the deck. The delaminated areas have a different sound than areas that are dry. If you are satisfied with what you find you likely still should get a professional survey.

I was always quite partial to the Paceship back in the day when we (the boat and I) were much newer.

ptsbug · #5 (**permalink**) 09-15-2010

I called the Westerbeke rep in Wisconsin.
The Vire 7 engine has not been made for quite some time and parts are not available other than the standard tune up parts.
Looks like I will shy away from the C&C.